Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Types & Fundamentals Part 10: Power Sources

Electric-powered forklifts are most commonly used indoors in warehouses. Unlike
internal combustion forklifts, electric forklifts are quiet and generally
non-polluting but present other serious hazards that must be addressed.

Electric Forklifts

Battery Charging Area

Battery Charging and Changing Procedures

Battery Maintenance

Sulfuric Acid Splash

Hydrogen Gas

For information on the parts of a battery used in electric forklifts, see
the
Parts: Battery
section of this module.

Battery Charging Area

A properly equipped battery charging area will have:

Figure 2. Large installations should have a plumbed drench shower and an
eyewash.

No smoking.

Warning signs posted.

Adequate fire protection.

Ample and readily available water supply for flushing and neutralizing
spilled electrolyte.

An eyewash able to provide a 15 minute flow. (Figure 2)
Note: For large installations, there should be a plumbed drench shower and an eyewash.

A phone or other means of communication in the event of an emergency.

Adequate ventilation to avoid the build up of hydrogen gas during battery charging.